Table baseball game



Dec. 19, 1950 J. c. MITCHELL TABLE BASEBALL GAME r m 1 m h H h m \co m H e mm M e h s C 5 5 m 0 J QM and Filed March 25, 1947 Dec. 19, 1950 J. c. MITCHELL TABLE BASEBALL GAME 5 Sheets-Shet 2 Filed March 25, 1947 [INTI/f0) James C. Mitch ell 1950 J. c. MITCHELL ,53

TABLE BASEBALL GAME Filed March 25, 1947 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 I n veutor James C. Mitchell B) wa k J. C. MI TCHELL TABLE BASEBALL GAME Dec. 19, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 on mm mm ow WV WV Filed March 25, 1947 I )1 l'entor James C. Mitchell By @nw and Dec. 19, 1950 J. c. MITCHELL TABLE BASEBALL GAME 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 25, 1947 anni Inventor James C. Mitchell 405% Attorneys N2 am Patented Dec. 19, 1950 TABLE BASEBALL GAME James C. Mitchell, Norfolk, Va., assignor of onehalf to Richard B. Mitchell, Detroit, Mich.

Application March 25, 1947, Serial No. 736,947

20 Claims. 1

This invention consists of novel and useful improvements in a table baseball game and more specifically provides a game which closely simulates the actual play of a game of baseball, including individual control of the pitching and batting mechanism as well as base running,

A primary purpose of this invention resides in providing a game which shall realistic-ally and in minute detail closely simulate the play of an actual game of baseball; and which shall afiord interest and enjoyment to both the participant and spectators by affording physical coordination in manipulating the various apparatus forming a part of the game.

An important object of the invention resides in providing a baseball game which permits operation of mechanism simulating the actual base running in a game of baseball; wherein means is provided for selecting, effecting and controling manipulation of the base runners and play about the bases and base paths in close realistic mimicry of an actual baseball game.

A further important object of the invention consists in providing a game apparatus for simulating the play of a game of baseball wherein a projectile may be propelled by a pitcher under the direct and varying controls of a player.

Yet another important object of the invention consists in providing an apparatus simulating the appearance and performance of a batter, and wherein is provided means for controlling the path of travel of the bat, its timing and force of the batting stroke.

A still further purpose of the invention is to provide a baseball playing apparatus for selectively propelling and selectively batting a missile, under the direct control of a pair of players.

These, together with various ancillary objects to be more specifically set forth hereinafter, are attained by the present invention, one embodiment of which has been illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the game board and illustrating certain features of operation of the same;

Figure 2 is a top p an view of the board, certain concealed parts being. indicated by dotted line construction;

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the board;

Figure 4 is a side elevational. view showing the arrangement of the first base line and. associated operating mechanism;

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view through the portion of the board illustrated in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a fragmentary detail view from the rear of the batting mechanism, parts being shown in section; I

Figure 7 is a view taken at right angles to Figure 6 from the right side thereof;

Figure 8 is a front view of the element of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the pitching mechanism, an alternative position being indicated by dotted lines;

Figure 10 is a front elevational detail View of a portion of the pitching mechanism of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an end elevational view taken from the right side of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary front elevational View of Figure 9, showing certain structural details thereof;

Figure 13 is a transverse sectional view taken substantiall upon the line l3-|3 of Figure 8 and showing the contour of the bat,

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an element of the base path operating mechanism; and

Figure 15 is a view in elevation of the components of the pitcher.

Referring now more specifically to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar parts throughout the various views, attention is directed first to Figure 1 wherein IO' designates a board of generally square or diamend-shaped configuration in close simulation of a baseball diamond, and upon which are operatively mounted an articulated pitching mechanism I 2 simulating a pitcher, a batters batting mechanism [4 simulating a batter, a back stop It and a series of channel-like members I8, 20, 22 and 24 corresponding to the base paths leading to first base, second base, third base and home respectively.

It should be here explained that it is intended: that the pitcher shall actually deliver a spherical projectile, which may conveniently consist of aping pong ball or the like realistically colored tosimulate a base ball, in a trajectory through the air which may be selectively controlled as desired; and that a batting mechanism is provided with a: bat for striking at the ball, wherein: the arc of the bat may be regulated as desired, as well as the time of the batting stroke and the force there'- of. Further, the back stop it may be suitably secured in detachable manner to the board l0 behind a marker simulating a home plate, for intercepting a ball passing the batter and returning the same upon the playing field. It is conternplated that a pitched ball shall be struck by the bat and driven off the board, where the same" I may be played by a group of players representing 3 outfielders of the game and handled in the same manner as a batted ball in a baseball game.

Attention is first directed to the base running construction and mechanism set forth best in Figures 1-5 and 14. As seen by the drawings, a peripheral groove is provided upon the upper surface of the board and at the margin thereof, to provide the above mentioned series of base paths l8, 2%, 22 and 2d, upon which are adapted to roll marbles representing base runners, these pieces being operated under the influence of gravity in a manner to be now set forth. Each of the four corners of the board is provided with a quadrant shaped section of grooved track 28, for guiding the balls or runners 26 around the corners from one base path into the adjacent path. As clearl shown in Figure 1, and again in Figure i, the quadrant shaped tracks 28 are downwardly inclined in the direction of travel around the base paths. Each of the four base paths, above mentioned, are pivoted by a transversely extending pin 38 to the approach side of the quadrants 28, for vertical movement relative thereto. This pivotal connection is better shown in Figure 2, where it may be seen that the approach side of each of the quadrants 28 is provided with a central axially extending tongue 32 receivable in a a rearward and adjacent notch 34 in the corresponding track section. As will be seen in Figure 1, each of the four base path tracks are of identical construction and are wedge-shaped or of varying vertical thickness throughout their length. Thus, the end of a track which is pivoted to a quadrant 28 is of considerable vertical height whereby the same may be flush with the adjacent surface of the quadrant, while the opposite end of that track when in its lowered position is of sufficient thickness to be substantially flush with the rearward or thin edge of the wedge-shaped quadrant. The leading edge or end of each of the base path tracks is apertured as at 36 for free vertical guided movement upon an upwardly extending pin 38 carried by the playing board iii.

The pin 38 extends a sufficient distance above the surface of the track when the latter is in its lowered position, to constitute an abutment or stop for a base running ball, whereby the latter may be retained adjacent its proper base upon the end of the track in position for travel there along. Obviously, when a base runner 26 is so positioned, proper elevation of the track will raise the latter as well as the base runner until the latter clears the upper end of the stop pin 38, as shown in the home plate position of Figure 1, whereby the ball 2% is free to roll under the influence of gravity down the base path, around a quadrant to the next base represented by a stop pin. Traveling thus from pin to pin, a ball may complete the circuit of the base paths and again arrive at the home plate position, thus scoring a run as in an actual game of baseball.

It should be here noted that means are provided for manipulating the base paths, and raising and lowering the same whereby a base runner may be released to travel down the base path in clear simulation of base running in an actual game of baseball, as when advancing on a hit, sacrifice, error, or out, or when stealing a base 01' the like. It is intended that a ball put in play may be handled by the various participants in a game manually in exact simulation of corresponding plays in a game of baseball, whereby a runner may be put out, trapped between bases or the like.

In order to raise or lower the base path tracks and thus control the travel of the base runners, the following control mechanism is employed. Adjacent each of the leading edges of a base track and the stop pin 38 thereof, the base or game board I0 is provided with recesses 48 underlying the base paths, an elevating lever 54, shown in Figure 14, being journaled therein by a transverse pin 42 for vertical movement to raise and lower the corresponding end of the base path. There are thus four track elevating levers it as shown in Figure 2, each provided with an individual operating means. As shown in Figures 4 and 14, the operating lever 44 has a segmental shaped rear extremity provided with an arcuate surface 48 and is provided with a laterally extending bore 50 for the reception of the above mentioned fulcrum or pivot pin 42. A peripheral groove 52 is disposed in the arcuate surface 48, terminating at a radial shoulder 55, which shoulder is adapted to cooperate with a transversely disposed stop pin 55 for limiting the upward movement of the lever 44 and consequently the extent of elevation of the track, to prevent the same from becoming engaged or lifted off of the guide and stop pins 38 by this mechanism.

A control cable 58 has its extremity disposed in the recess 46, lying in the above mentioned groove 52, and extending through a bore 5% from said groove into the abutting surface or shoulder 5d of the lever, where the same is secured in any desired manner. Thus, upon tensioning of the cable 58, the lever 44 will be caused to rotate in a clockwise direction about its fulcrum pin 42, as viewed in Figure 4. When tensioning of the cable ceases, the weight of the base path track, and of the lever is relied upon to restore the parts to their lowered or normal position, although suitable spring or resilient means may be provided to facilitate this action, as deemed desirable.

Referring noW more specifically to Figure 5, it will be seen that the side of the board beneath the first base path I8 is laterally recessed or cutaway as at 62 upon its outer surface and at E i upon its inner surface, these recesses being connected by a plurality of laterally disposed cylindrical bores 6t, 68, l0, l2, and 14. A Series of plungers I6, 18, 88, 82 and 84, are slidably guided for reciprocation in these bores, each plunger being provided with a rigidly and axially extending pin or rod indicated at St for the plunger T5 and at 88 for the other four plungers. These pins or rods extend through transverse bores in vertically positioned guide pins suitably positioned in their recess 54. The outer extremity of the pins 88 are looped upon themselves to provide an eye 92 upon the opposite side of the pins 90, and at extremity of each of the above mentioned cables 58 is secured in these eyes. As will be noted, the plunger 2'5 is provided with a coil spring M surrounding the rod 86 between the plunger and the vertical pin 35, for yieldingly urging the plunger outwardly of the bore 66 for a purpose to be later set forth.

It will be noted that the ends of the cables 58 are wound partially about the pins 95- on the side thereof adjacent the plungers, whereby these pins constitute guides for the cables so that when the plungers are forced inwardly of their cylindrical bores, the cables will be tensioned in an obvious manner. Suitable guide means are provided throughout the length of the cables 58, as desired, for preventing tangling of the same and guiding the cables in their tensioning and slackening movements. These guides preferably include vertically disposed guide pins 96 adjacent each of the levers 44, for imparting straight line pull upon said levers.

It may thus be seen by reference to Figures 2 and 3, that the control buttons I8, 80, 82 and 84, respectively control the levers for elevating the base paths I8, 20, 22. and 24. It will, therefore, be seen that any one or all of the base paths may be selectively controlled by the fingers of the operator, whereby all of the base runners may be released, or a particular runner may be permitted to advance two or more bases as the play of the game dictates.

Attention is next directed to the pitching mechanism and its control means, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 9-12. The pitcher indicated generally at I2 consists of two articulated members comprising a trunk 98 of generally triangular shape and having a base piece I00, and a torso section I02 pivotally connected to the trunk at I04. These members may be formed of any suitable material, such as heavy cardboard, metal or the like, and it will be noted that the adjacent ends thereof are rounded as indicated in Figures 9 and 12. Suitable indicia. I06 are provided upon appropriate portions of the pivoted members 98 and I02, for indicating the relative angular arrangement of these members for a reason to be set forth hereinafter. The lower portion 98 of the pitcher is detachably secured in fixed position upon the playing surface I0 by means of plugs I08 extending upwardly through suitable apertures in the board I0 and provided with slots receiving the base portion I00, the latter being retained by means of transversely disposed pins H0. The torso I02 of the pitcher is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed arms H2 and H4 whereby said torso comprises a double arm lever. The arm II4, as best shown in Figure 10, is provided with a ball retaining and throwing member comprising a loop of wire I I6 whose extremities II 8 and I20 are rigidly anchored in appropriate transversely disposed bores in the arm I I4, from which the member IIB axially extends. A control cord is securely attached as at I22 to the arm H4 and has one end I24 extending laterally through a transverse bore in the margin of the game board I0, and it is retained therein as by a bead I26, while the other end I28 extends through a similar bore and is provided with a bead I30. It is intended that the bead I26be so adjusted, that the cord I24 will be of appropriate length to limit the extent of the forward movement of the torso portion of the L player, to thereby limit the hurling stroke of the pitcher. Obviously, the bead I26 may be adjusted upon the board to vary this stopping action as found to be desirable. The cord I28 and bead I30 are manipulated to rotate the torso in a clockwise direction about the pivot pin I04, to cook the pitcher against a spring tensioning means, to be later set forth, for determining the amount of force imparted to the ball. For this purpose, it will readily be seen that the indioia I06 constitute a ready reference means for evaluating the amount of tension and potential energy applied to the pitcher, and therefore regulating the speed of the ball. Obviously, appropriate adjustment of the bead I26 and stop cord I24 will determine the height of the baseball as it passes the batter.

The tensioning means for the pitcher is indicated best in Figure 9, wherein it may be seen that a rubber band or other tensioning member I32 is entrained over a support peg I34 extending below the surface of the board I0, and engages a hook I36. A cable I38 is appropriately anchored at one end to the board I0, as for example to one of the above mentioned supporting plugs I08, is looped through the link or hook member I36 and then extends over a suitable guiding bridge I40 and upwardly through a slot I42 for engagement with the arm II2. It will be readily seen that the tension of the member I32 operating through the cable I38, imparts a bias tending to rotate the torso of the pitcher in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 9, which tension is relied upon, when the manual control cord I28 is released, to cause the pitcher to hurl the ball from the receiver II6 as above mentioned. The tension imparted to the pitcher may be varied in suitable ways, as for example, by suitably adjusting the fulcrum pin 534 to varying distances from the link I36, by providing a plurality of rubber bands or the like :32 between the link I36 and the fulcrum pin I34, to vary the bias imparted to the cable I38. From the foregoing, it will be readily understood that the force of the delivery of the pitcher may be varied; that the timing of the delivery may be Varied to regulate the height of the ball delivered; and that the speed of delivery may be easily varied through consecutive plays by proper manipulation of the control or actuating cord I28 with reference to the indicia I 06.

Attention is now directed to the construction of the batter and its operating mechanism, as shown best in Figures l-3, 6-8. The batter I4, as shown best in Figures '7 and 8 consist of a onepiece construction of suitable cardboard, wood or metallic nature, arranged in the form of a batter and shown at I44. The batter is preferably provided with. forwardly and rearwardly positioned legs I46 and I48 in proper batting stance, these legs being connected at the feet by a base member I50. The rear leg I48 is detachably connected as by a pin I52, a cylindrical plug I54 extending upwardly through the surface I0 of the board, and constitutes a pivot point or axis of oscillation for the batter. The forward leg I45 of the batter is similarly pivoted to a cylindrical plug I56 likewise extending through the board I0, this plug being adapted for arcuate movement in a guide slot I56 appropriately positioned in the board I0. The arcuate guide groove I58 is so positioned that the batter may assume natural position when awaiting a pitch,

- and may then pivot about the fixed axis I54 throughout the normal batting stroke. A novel tensioning mechanism is provided for causing the batters stroke, while a latch means is provided for cooking or maintaining the batter in position awaiting a pitch. For this purpose, a vertically extending anchor pin ltd is secured to the undersurface of the board I0 within the recess I62, and an elastic or rubber band or the like IE4 is anchored to the peg I00, and its other end engages a split hook I66. This construction is identical with the members I32, I34" and I36 of Figure 9 above mentioned. A recess is provided below the third base path 24 and a vertical peg or pin Ill) is disposed therein. A cable I12 has one end secured to the cylindrical plug 556 riding in the slot I58, is entrained over the cylindrical surface of the peg I10, extends through the hook I66 and has its other extremity securedto the peg. The construction is such, that the cable I12 and resilient means I64 are extended or shortened in accordance with the operation or stroke of the batter. These members therefor resiliently urge the batter in a position to com plete the stroke, and the batter is retained in proper position to start his batting stroke by means of a latching lever I74 having a hook portion 16 for engaging the above mentioned cylindrical peg I56 and a fulcrum I'IB. At its other end, the lever I14 engages the rod 86, under the control of pushbutton I5. It may thus be seen that the coil spring 94 urges the rod 85, lever IM and catch I76 into position to engage the peg I56 to latch the batter against movement in response to the urge of the resilient means ltd. Upon manipulation of the plunger :6, the catch is withdrawn and the batter makes his arcuate stroke. The extent of this stroke is, of course, determined by the end of the arcuate slot I58, and after the stroke the batter is reset by hand with the spring 95 causing the latch to engage and restrain the batter in cocked position.

A lever I86 in a form to simulate a bat, as shown in Figures 8 and 13, is pivoted as at E82 to the front of the figure I44. Preferably, the forward surface of the bat is convex while the rear surface is a plain surface, whereby the latter may freely slide in guided and supported relation upon the front of the batter, while the former presents a rounded surface for batting a ball, to more closely simulate the batting of a ball in a game. An arcuate slot I8 1 struck upon a radius about the pivot I82 as a center is provided, and a laterally extending arm I35, of a link I86 is received in a suitable aperture at the end of the bat I88, this arm extending into the guide slot [84, the downwardly extending link I86 being slidingly and guidingly received upon a vertical guide pin I88, by means of a coil or bight portion I96. The extremity of the link I36 is turned upon itself to provide an eye [$2, it being understood that this entire assembly may conveniently be formed of stiff wire or the like. The upper and lower ends of the guide wire or rod we of right angularly inturned portions ltd adapted to be secured vertically upon the rear surface of the batter in vertical alignment with the rear or pivot leg I48. Upon the back of the batter, in vertical alignment with the axis of rotation of the batter and adjacent the upper portion thereof, is provided an anchor pin 5% over which is stretched an elastic, rubber band or the like I98 whose lower extremity is received in the eye I92, for constantly biasing the link 85 upwards, thereby urging the bat into its downward or dotted line position as shown in Figure 5. In order to selectively elevate the bat as desired, a cable 2M} is provided, extending through an eyelet 2332 carried by the back of the batters figure, and connected with the eye I92.

Attention is again directed to the pitching mechanism and in particular to Figures ll, 13 and 15. It will be seen that the trunk and torso members 98 and I02 are recessed or routed on their contiguous, relatively swinging surfaces 99 and I93 respectively, these surfaces being pivotally connected by the fastener IM extending through bores ml and H5 therein.

As shown best in Figure 15, the surfaces 99 and IE3 have arcuate shaped flanges or shoulders I65 and Iil'i for respectively receiving and journalling the rounded extremities Hi9 and Ill respectively of the members 98 and I02. By means of this construction the thrust imposed on the members 98 and H32, by the tensioning and actuating means, is received and carried by the large bearing surfaces I05, I01, I09 and III, which are all arcs having the spindle I04 as a center, rather than on spindle I04 which thus serves merely to retain the parts in pivotal relation. The doubled thickness as well as the enlarged bearing surfaces greatly reinforce the mechanism as its point of greatest strain and Wear, and since the pitching mechanism is actuated most frequently in this game, this is an important desideratum.

As shown in Figures 1-3, the bat controlling cord 20% extends through the side of the rim of the board, whereby the same may be manipulated by the operator during a game. It should be here noted that the entire bat elevating and lowering mechanism is disposed in longitudinal alignment with the axis about which the batter pivots, whereby the angular adjustment of the bat is not effected during the batters stroke.

It will be readily understood, that the force of the batters stroke may be properly regulated by decreasing or increasing the number of rubber or elastic bands I64 which power the stroke.

Obviously, the batter is under the complete control of an operator or participant in the game during the play Of a game of baseball, whereby the batter may be manipulated to raise or lower the bat, or time his stroke, in accordance with the wishes of the operator, thereby permitting the exercise of judgment and coordination of eye and muscle by the batters operator. Similarly, the control of the pitcher provides the same elements of participation in the sport that are present in a real game of baseball, whereby the actual physical execution of baseball plays, the planning of strategy, the coordination of eye and muscle are all exercised, but on a reduced scale, as in a real game of ball.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art after consideration of the foregoing specification and drawings, and accordingly it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, but all suitable modifications may be resorted to falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a baseball game, a supporting base, a ball throwing mechanism mounted on said base, said mechanism including a manikin having pivoted upper and lower portions respectively simulating the torso and'trunk of a baseball pitcher, said upper portion having forwardly and rearwardly extending lever arms rigidly attached thereto, a ball holding means carried by one of said arms, resilient means engaging the other arm and biasing said upper section in one direction and a manual control secured to said upper section for moving the same in another direction,

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said control is secured to said one lever arm.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said control is secured to said one lever arm and comprises a flexible cable, and stop means on said cable for limiting the movement of said movable section under the bias of said resilient means.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said cable is slidable through a bore in said base, said stop means comprising a button on said cable engageable with said bore.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said control comprises a cable secured intermediate its ends to said movable section, one end of said cable comprising a moving agent for overcoming the bias of said resilient means and the other end of said cable having a stop means for limitins movement of said movable section under the bias of said resilient means.

6. The combination of claim wherein said other end is slidable through a bore in said base and a member on said other end engageable with said base to constitute said stop means.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said one end of said cable slidably extends through a second bore in said base for manual operation exteriorly of said base;

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein said ball holding means comprising a wire loop, the ends of which are secured to said one lever arm.

9. The combination of claim 1 wherein said resilient means includes a flexible member secured at one end to said movable section and extending beneath said base, and a spring member attached to said flexible member beneath said base.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said base has an aperture spaced forwardly of the manikin through which said flexible member is slidably disposed, a guide block adjacent said aperture, said flexible member bearing on said uide block.

11. The combination of claim 1 wherein said resilient means includes a flexible member secured at one end to said movable section and extending beneath said base at a point forwardly of the manikin, and a spring member attached to said flexible member beneath said base, said spring member being attached to said flexible member intermediate the ends of said spring member, the other end of said spring member being anchored to said base.

12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said mechanism has a support plug secured thereto and extending below said base, the other end of said flexible member being anchored to said base by attachment to said support plug.

13. The combination of claim 1 wherein said resilient means includes a flexible member secured at one end to said movable section and extending beneath said base, and a spring member attached to said flexible member beneath said base, said spring member including an endless elastic band, a support for said band depending from said base and a connection for securing said band to said flexible member.

14. The combination of claim 1 wherein said sections have cooperating arcuate guide and bearing shoulders engageable with complementary arcuate bearing surfaces.

15. In a baseball game, a manikin ball player comprising a lower section forming the trunk of a ball player and having downwardly divergent leg portions, a supporting base, means for detachably and immovably securing said leg portions upon said base, said means comprising plugs extending through said base, means attaching said plugs to said legs, an upper section forming the torso of a pitcher pivoted at its lower portion to the upper portion of the lower section for movement in a vertical plane and a ball holder mounted On said upper section. the adjacent ends of said sections having vertical bearing surfaces in overlapping oscillating relation.

16. In a baseball game, a manikin ball player comprising a lower section forming the trunk of a ball player and having downwardly divergent leg portions, a supporting base, means for detachably and immovably securing said leg portions upon said base, said means comprising plugs extending through said base, means at taching said plugs to said legs, an upper section forming the torso of a pitcher pivoted at its lower portion to the upper portion of the lower section for movement in a vertical plane and a ball holder mounted on said upper section, the adjacent ends of said sections having vertical bearing surfaces in overlapping oscillating relation, and arcuate bearing surfaces on said upper and lower sections.

1'2. In a baseball game, a manihin ball player comprising a lower section forming the trunk of a ball player and having downwardly divergent leg portions, a supporting base, means for detachably and immovably securing said leg portions upon said base, said means comprising plugs extending through said base, means attaching said plugs to said legs, an upper section forming the torso of a pitcher pivoted at its lower portion to the upper portion of the lower section for movement in a vertical plane and a ball holder mounted on said upper section, the adjacent end of one of said sections having an arcuate convex bearing surface and a complementary arcuate concave bearing surface on the other section.

18. In a baseball game, a manikin ball player comprising a lower section forming the trunk of a ball player and having downwardly divergent leg portions, a supporting base, means for detachably and immovably securing said leg portions upon said base, said means comprising plugs extending through said base, means attaching said plugs to said legs, an upper section forming the torso of a pitcher pivoted at its lower portion to the upper portion of the lower section for movement in a vertical plane and a ball holder mounted on said upper section, the adjacent end of one of said sections having an arcuate convex bearing surface and a complementary arcuate concave bearing surface on the other section, said concave bearing surface being laterally recessed in the side of said other section.

19. In. a baseball game, a manikin ball player r comprising a lower section forming the trunk of a ball player and having downwardly divergent leg portions, a supporting base, means for detachably and immovably securing said leg portions upon said base, said means comprising plugs extending through said base, means attaching said plugs to said legs, an upper section forming the torso of a pitcher pivoted at its lower portion to the upper portion of the lower section for movement in a vertical plane and a ball holder mounted on said upper section, the adjacent portions of said sections having overlapping vertical bearing surfaces, the adjacent ends of said sections terminating in arcuate convex bearings and complementary. arcuate concave bearings on said sections for engagement with said convex bearings.

26. In a baseball game, a manikin ball player comprising a lower section forming the trunk of a ball player and having downwardly divergent leg portions, a supporting base, means for detachably and immovably securing said leg portions upon said base, said means comprising plugs extending through said base, means attaching said plugs to said legs, an upper section forming the torso of a pitcher pivoted at its lower portion to the upper portion of the lower section for movement in a vertical plane and a ball holder mounted on said upper section, the adjacent portions of said sections having overlapping vertical bearing surfaces, the adjacent ends of said sec- 11 12 tions terminatingin arcuate convex bearings Number Name Date and complementary arcuate concave bearings 861,843 Heitmann July 30, 1907 on said sections for engagement with said con- 1,047,657 Krancher Dec. 17, 1912 vex bearings, said concave bearings being formed 1,147,087 Groh July 20, 1915 in laterally recessed portions of said vertical 5 1,197,940 Johnson Sept. 12, 1916 bearing surfaces. 1,344,378 Butler June 22, 1920 JAMES C, MITCHELL. 1,573,182 Matha Feb. 16, 1926 1,793,969 Simmons Feb. 24, 1931 REFERENCES CITED 1,850,675 Jones Mar. 22, 1932 The following references are of record in the 10 21080353 Beasley et May 1937 fil of t t 2,294,035 Kellermann et a1. Aug. 25, 1942 2,349,892 Vaughn May 30, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 861,841 Heitmann July 30, 1907 5 

